KR102588205B1 - Methods and devices for sample separation and collection - Google Patents

Abstract

A centrifugation device 200 and method of use are provided. The centrifugation device includes a housing 202, a chamber 206, a channel 208, and a cover 222. The housing includes a first port 204 and a ventilation opening 212 and is designed to rotate about an axis 226 passing through the center of the housing. A chamber is formed within the housing and coupled to the first port. The first portion of chamber 206 has a width that tapers between a first width at a first location within the chamber and a second width at a second location, with the first width being wider than the second width. The channel 208 is coupled to a second position in the chamber and arranged so that there is a path for gas to move from the channel to the ventilation opening 212. Cover 222 provides a wall that seals the chamber.

Description

Methods and devices for sample separation and collection

Embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of clinical diagnostic tools.

Whole blood is widely used in in vitro diagnostic research. Blood tests can provide valuable information for clinical diagnosis and drug development. However, most blood is analyzed using plasma or serum because red blood cells and their constituents (blood cell-containing components) can interfere with measurements. Therefore, separating serum or plasma from whole blood is a typical preparation step for blood analysis.

Typically, serum or plasma separation is performed by centrifugation using commercially available bench-top devices. This process is labor- and time-consuming, and integration of centrifugation systems into small point-of-care devices is challenging and size-limited. Accordingly, other separation technologies that can be incorporated into point-of-care devices are under development. Such techniques are based on the principles of electro-osmotic flow, hydrodynamic separation, acoustic forces, dielectrophoresis and particle retention. The separation principle of particle retention generally relies on an asymmetric membrane, blocking red blood cells from passing through the filter. Plasma filtration is a promising plasma separation method, but it has many disadvantages or challenges that must be overcome. Disadvantages are related to filter/membrane integration, clogging, plasma re-collection from the membrane and undesirable filtration of biomolecules. Additionally, filtration is time consuming and blood with a high hematocrit must be diluted.

Electro-osmotic flow and hydrodynamic separation principles are used for microfluidic devices with analyte volumes in the micro-liter range. However, such techniques exhibit lower plasma separation efficiencies than centrifugation-based techniques.

Methods, devices, and systems for sample separation through centrifugation are provided. Integrating centrifugation-based plasma separation into in vitro diagnostic devices is challenging due to size limitations, integration issues, and low-cost manufacturing. The centrifugation device provided herein allows effective separation of plasma from whole blood, utilizing small sample volumes. For example, a sample volume of less than 500 microliters may be used. In other examples, sample volumes of 500 microliters to 1000 microliters, or 1000 microliters to 5000 microliters may be used.

In an embodiment, a centrifugation device includes a housing, chamber, channel, and cover. The housing includes a first port and a vent opening and is designed to rotate about an axis passing through the center of the housing. A chamber is formed within the housing and coupled to the first port. The first portion of the chamber has a width that tapers between a first width at a first location within the chamber and a second width at a second location, the first width being wider than the second width. The channel is coupled to a second position in the chamber and arranged so that there is a path for gas to move from the channel to the ventilation opening. The cover provides a wall that seals the chamber.

An exemplary method is described. The method includes placing a sample through a first port into a centrifugation chamber, the centrifugation chamber being formed within a cylindrical housing. Next, the first port is sealed to prevent any sample from leaking back through the inlet. The centrifugation chamber is rotated about an axis passing through the center of the cylindrical housing. Such rotation causes separation of the sample within the chamber, a first portion of the sample being moved within a first portion of the chamber extending along the outer periphery of the cylindrical housing, and a second portion of the sample being moved from an axis passing through the center of the cylindrical housing. It is moved into a second portion of the radially extending chamber. The method continues with stopping rotation of the centrifugation chamber and extracting a second portion of the sample through the second port.

In another embodiment, the system includes a centrifugation device, an actuator, and an extraction device. The centrifugation device includes a housing, chamber, channel, and cover. The housing includes the first port and the ventilation opening and is designed to rotate about an axis passing through the center of the housing. A chamber is formed within the housing and coupled to the first port. The first portion of the chamber has a width that tapers between a first width at a first location within the chamber and a second width at a second location, the first width being wider than the second width. The channel is coupled to a second position in the chamber and arranged so that there is a path for gas to move from the channel to the ventilation opening. The cover has a second port and provides a wall that seals the chamber. The actuator is coupled to the housing and rotates the housing about an axis. The extraction device is coupled to the cover and extracts the sample within the chamber through the second port.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, are intended to explain the principles of the invention and to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. It plays an additional role in order to do so.
1 shows a test cartridge according to an embodiment.
2A-2D provide three-dimensional views of a centrifugation device, according to some embodiments.
Figure 3 shows a front view of a centrifugation device, according to an embodiment.
4A-4C show diagrams of covers for centrifugation devices, according to some embodiments.
Figure 5 shows a centrifugation system, according to an embodiment.
Figure 6 shows an example method.
Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Although specific configurations and arrangements are described, it should be understood that this is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other configurations and arrangements may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can also be used in a variety of other applications.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” etc. means that the described embodiment may include particular features, structures, or characteristics, but that all embodiments do not include such particular features, structures, or characteristics. It should be noted that it may not necessarily include or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is not common in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not. It will be presented that it is included in the knowledge of the technician.

Some embodiments described herein relate to centrifugation devices used to separate small sample volumes of less than 500 μL, 500 μL to 1000 μL, or 1000 μL to 5000 μL. The centrifugation device can be oriented along a horizontal axis, such that it rotates about the horizontal axis. In some embodiments, the centrifuge device is designed to be integrated with a larger diagnostic testing system, such as a test cartridge. Test cartridges integrate all the components needed to conduct such tests into a single, disposable package. The test cartridge may be configured to be analyzed by an external measurement system that provides data related to the reactions occurring within the test cartridge. In an embodiment, the test cartridge includes a plurality of test chambers with a transparent window for conducting optical detection into each test chamber.

1 shows an example of a test cartridge system 100, according to an embodiment. Test cartridge system 100 includes a cartridge housing 102 that can accommodate various fluid chambers, channels, and reservoirs. A sample may be introduced into cartridge housing 102 through sample port 104, depending on the embodiment. Sample port 104 may be an opening into a centrifugation chamber that is integrated into cartridge housing 102. For example, a blood sample can be placed into a centrifuge device through sample port 104 and plasma can be separated. The plasma can then be extracted from the centrifuge device and placed into another chamber of the test cartridge system 100 for further analysis and testing. After the sample is placed into sample port 104, cap 106 can be used to seal sample port 104. Although the cap 106 is shown connected to the housing 102 and rotated downward to seal the sample port 104, this is only an example and may be used in any manner as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. A cap design may be used.

In the example, sample port 104 accepts a liquid sample, but other sample types may also be used. Sample port 104 may also be designed to receive the needle of a syringe for injecting a sample into a chamber or fluid channel within cartridge housing 102. Sample port 104 may also be designed to be compatible with commercial blood collection devices, such as the VACUTAINER(TM) family of devices.

Test cartridge 100 also includes another sample inlet protected by cover 108. Cover 108 can be removed to allow access to an additional sample inlet. This sample inlet can be used to introduce samples that do not need to be centrifuged.

The description herein will focus more on the design and function of the centrifuge device. Additional details regarding test cartridge system 100 can be found in co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 13/836,845, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 2A shows a three-dimensional rendering of a centrifugation device 200, according to an embodiment. Centrifugation device 200 includes a cylindrical housing 202 coupled with a rotating arm 220 and a cover 222 . Although housing 202 is described herein as cylindrical, those skilled in the art will recognize that other shapes may be used while retaining the same functionality as described herein. The cylindrical housing 202 is rotated through the rotation arm 220 and about an axis passing substantially through the center of the cylindrical housing 202 . Cover 222 may be removable for access to various chambers and channels within cylindrical housing 202 and, when attached to cylindrical housing 202, provides a sealing wall over the various chambers and channels. In other embodiments, cover 222 is permanently secured to cylindrical housing 202 and may be an integral part of cylindrical housing 202 .

Depending on the embodiment, the cylindrical housing 202 includes a rotating portion 216 that rotates around a hinged connection 217 . Rotating portion 216 may be rotated open to expose input port 204 for placing samples into centrifugation device 200. A sample may be placed through inlet port 204 using a syringe or any other suitable fluid transfer device. The rotating portion 216 may include a raised structure 218 dimensioned to fit into the inlet port 204 when the rotating portion 216 is closed. Raised structure 218 may seal inlet port 204 to prevent any leaks. Raised structure 218 may include, for example, a gasket design with a polymer tip to seal the opening of inlet port 204.

Any sample placed through inlet port 204 enters centrifugation chamber 206. Centrifugation chamber 206 includes a curved geometry designed to aid in the separation of samples during centrifugation, as described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3 . Depending on the embodiment, one end of the centrifugation chamber 206 and a ventilation channel 208 are coupled. The ventilation channel 208 provides an unobstructed flow of gas, such as air, from the centrifugation chamber 206 to the ventilation opening 212. During centrifugation and following extraction of the separated sample, the ability to vent a gas, such as air, to the outside through ventilation openings 212 can help reduce bubble formation.

In an embodiment, collection chamber 210 is coupled between ventilation channel 208 and ventilation opening 212. A collection chamber 210 may be provided to receive the sample through a ventilation channel 208 as the sample fills the centrifugation chamber 206. If the sample does not fill, or does not substantially fill, the centrifugation chamber 206, the centrifugation process may not operate correctly. If too much air is trapped within the centrifugation chamber 206, bubbles may form. Accordingly, collection chamber 210 may act as a protective means for collecting samples before they may leak outside of ventilation openings 212 .

In an embodiment, the cylindrical housing 202 includes a sample indicator 214 designed to indicate to the user when the centrifugation chamber 206 is full or nearly full with sample. For example, sample indicator 214 may switch to a particular color when centrifugation chamber 206 is full. The sample indicator 214 can be made transparent or semi-transparent to allow the user to recognize when the sample has completely filled the centrifugation chamber 206.

A cover 222 may be disposed on one side of the cylindrical housing 202 to seal one or more chambers formed therein. Depending on the embodiment, cover 222 includes a coupling structure 224 to allow connection to an extraction device. The base of the coupling structure 224 includes a port (not shown in these figures) for extracting the separated sample within the centrifugation chamber 206. The extraction device may be a syringe or part of the test cartridge described above with reference to FIG. 1 .

Figure 2b shows a centrifugation device 200 with a rotating portion 216 of a closed cylindrical housing 202, according to an embodiment. To centrifuge a sample located therein, the cylindrical housing 202 is rotated about axis 226. The rotating portion 216 may utilize a snap mechanism 228 to hold the rotating portion 216 in place after being rotated closed. Snap mechanism 228 may include a physical occlusion between the two structures, or may include magnets to hold rotating portion 216 closed.

Figure 2C shows an exploded view of various components that may be used with centrifugation device 200. In an embodiment, rotating arm 220 may be stabilized via bushings 230a and 230b, which in turn are connected to structure 230. Structure 230 may be any structure that provides support and stabilization for rotating arm 220 . Depending on the embodiment, one end of the rotating arm 220 is connected to the centrifugation device 200 while the other end is connected to the coupling element 232. Coupling element 232 may be used for direct connection to an actuator to drive rotation arm 220.

FIG. 2D provides a diagram of a centrifugation device 200 according to another embodiment. For clarity, structure 230 is not shown in these figures. Cover 222 is shown with a different coupling structure 234. Coupling structure 234 may be a gasket ring or any other structure used to form a fluid seal when extracting a sample from centrifuge device 200 via a port (not shown) through cover 222. It can be. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with other coupling structure designs.

Figure 3 shows a front view of a centrifugation device 200, according to an embodiment. An axis of rotation 226 is shown that passes substantially through the center of the device. The geometry of centrifugation chamber 206 can be more easily observed in this view. Depending on the embodiment, the centrifugation chamber 206 has two sections: a collection region 302 that is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 226 and extends radially away; and a trailing region 304 extending around the outer circumference of the cylindrical housing 202. The collection area 302 has a wall 303 of increasing slope from the central area of the collection area 302 towards the boundary wall of the collection area 302 to aid in the accumulation of separated samples within the collection area 302. It can be included. Depending on the embodiment, the aft region 304 curves away from the collection region 302 with decreasing width and terminates by coupling with the ventilation channel 208. The curved shape of the tail region 304 can help maximize the volume of the collection region 302 and tail region 304 while keeping the overall diameter of the centrifuge device 200 as small as possible. In another embodiment, the trailing region 304 is not curved and extends straight away from the collection region 302.

During rotation of device 200, a relative centrifugal force (RCF) is applied. Collinear to the center of rotation, RCF is zero, and perpendicular to the axis of rotation, RCF is increased by the following value:

Here, g is the Earth's gravitational acceleration, r is the radius of rotation, and ω is the angular velocity in radians per unit time. When r increases, RCF increases, and high-density particles are accelerated with a greater force than low-density particles. Therefore, over time during rotation, the sample separates into two phases: the denser phase separates into the trailing region 304, while the less dense phase separates into the collection region 302. In an example using a whole blood sample, the plasma is separated into the collection region 302 while the remaining red blood cells and any contaminants are separated into the trailing region 304.

The varying width of the trailing region 304 is designed to aid draining of less dense material into the collection region 302 during rotation. The width of the aft area 304 at location 'A' is greater than the width of the aft area 304 at location 'B', and the width is greater between location 'A' and location 'B'. tapered in between. Depending on the embodiment, the aft region 304 is coupled to the ventilation channel 208 at or near a position 'B' where the width is tapered to its narrowest point. The ventilation channel is routed back towards the center of the cylindrical housing 202 such that the shortest distance from the axis of rotation 226 to the ventilation channel 208 is the axis of rotation at any point within the centrifugation chamber 206. It is shorter than the distance to (226). This design helps ensure a stable position of the sample during centrifugation and does the passive job of preventing air bubbles from entering the centrifugation chamber 206 from the ventilation openings 212.

Centrifugation chamber 206 may have a volume of less than 500 μL, less than 400 μL, or less than 300 μL. In one example, centrifugation chamber 206 holds 250 μL of whole blood sample. After centrifugation at 5,000 to 20,000 RPM for about 3 minutes, from about 60 to 70 μL to about 100 to 150 μL of plasma can be separated into collection region 302. Centrifugation may be performed, for example, at 10,000 RPM.

After centrifugation, or after a given period of time during centrifugation, the sample is separated into a less dense phase in the collection region 302 and a more dense phase in the tail region 304. At this point, extraction of the separate phase can be effected via an outlet port (not shown, but described herein with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C). The hydraulic diameter of the centrifugation chamber 206 may be designed such that capillary forces prevent the separated phases from mixing while extracting each sample phase from the centrifugation chamber 206. For example, the intermediate layer that exists between two separate phases must be maintained and not destroyed by air bubbles during the extraction process. Based on the illustrated dimensions of centrifugation chamber 206 given above, to maintain separation of phases during extraction, the hydraulic diameter of centrifugation chamber 206 may be less than about 5 or 6 millimeters.

4A and 4B show example dimensions of cover 222. FIG. 4A shows a front view of cover 222 , showing outlet port 402 through the base of coupling structure 234 . Cover 222 may have a diameter of less than 20 mm, such as the 15 mm diameter shown. Similarly, cylindrical housing 202 may have substantially the same diameter as cover 222. Coupling structure 234 may have a diameter of less than 5 mm, such as 2.5 mm shown. Although outlet port 402 is shown with a diameter of approximately 200 micrometers, this diameter may be any diameter within the range of 100 to 500 micrometers. In another example, the diameter of outlet port 402 ranges from 150 to 350 micrometers. The diameter of the outlet port 402 is sufficient to ensure that no liquid sample can leak out of the outlet port 402 during introduction of the sample into the centrifugation chamber 206 or during rotation of the centrifugation device. It can be of small arbitrary diameter. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional area of outlet port 402 is less than one-quarter of the cross-sectional area of ventilation channel 208.

Depending on the embodiment, during the sample extraction process, the sample is drawn out of the centrifuge chamber 206 through the outlet port 402 and air enters the centrifuge chamber 206 through the ventilation channel 208. During this operation, the increased cross-section of the trailing region 304 helps prevent air bubbles from flowing into the collection region 302 and displacing the liquid within the collection region 302.

4B shows a side view of cover 222 that also shows outlet port 402 extending through the thickness of cover 222. Depending on the embodiment, when the cover 222 is placed over the cylindrical housing 202, the outlet port 402 is aligned over the collection area 302 of the centrifugation chamber 206. After rotation has stopped, or while the centrifuge device is still rotating, the separated sample within collection area 302 can be extracted to the outside through outlet port 402. Coupling structure 234 is used to form a leak-proof seal along with other structures used to extract sample through outlet port 402 through an applied pressure differential.

Figure 4C shows a side view of cover 222, according to another embodiment, including another coupling structure 224. The extraction device may be physically coupled to the coupling structure 224 to extract the sample, through an applied pressure differential.

FIG. 5 shows an example system 500 including a centrifugation device 200 coupled to an actuator 502 . Actuator 502 may be any type of motor (induction motor, stepper motor, etc.) that rotates centrifugal device 200 at high speeds of several thousand RPM. Additionally, an extraction device 504 is shown within system 500. In an embodiment, extraction device 504 also includes a structure 506 that is used to form a substantially leak-proof seal between coupling structure 234 and extraction device 504 . It should be noted that structure 506 may be designed to couple with any type of coupling structure on centrifuge device 200. In one embodiment, extraction device 504 includes a moveable delivery chamber that is part of a test cartridge system similar to that described with reference to FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 600 of using a centrifuge device to separate a sample, according to an embodiment. It should be understood that the steps depicted in method 600 are not comprehensive and that other steps may also be practiced without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Many of the steps of method 600 may be performed, for example, by centrifugation device 200.

At block 602, the sample is placed into the chamber through a first port (eg, inlet port). The sample may be a mixture of components of various densities, such as a blood sample containing red blood cells and other particles, and less dense plasma. The sample can be placed into the inlet via a syringe or other more integrated fluid delivery system (eg, microfluidic channel). According to an embodiment, the inlet leads into a centrifugation chamber formed within a cylindrical housing.

At block 604, the inlet is sealed to prevent leakage of sample during centrifugation. Sealing the inlet can be effected by snapping off another part of the centrifuge device, so that the inlet port is jammed. Other well-known sealing mechanisms may be used.

At block 606, the chamber is rotated about an axis passing through the center of the cylindrical housing to centrifuge the sample within the chamber. In one example, the chamber rotates at a speed of about 5,000 to 20,000 RPM. In one particular example, the chamber is rotated at a speed of 10,000 RPM. The chamber may be designed such that the chamber bends around the outer edge of the centrifuge device, for example as shown in Figure 3. This geometry helps separate the sample into different sections of the chamber based on density.

At block 608, the sample is separated based on the centrifugal force applied within the chamber during rotation. As previously noted, the geometry of the chamber also helps retain the dense material of the sample within the first section of the chamber and the less dense material within the second section of the chamber. In an embodiment, the first section of the chamber extends along the outer periphery of the cylindrical housing, while the second section of the chamber extends radially outward from an axis of rotation passing through the center of the cylindrical housing.

At block 610, rotation of the chamber is stopped. In one example, rotation of the 10,000 RPM chamber is stopped after approximately 3 minutes. The sudden stop also forces denser material to collect within the first section of the chamber, away from less dense material collected within the second section of the chamber.

At block 612, the less dense portion of the sample is extracted through a second port (eg, an outlet port). After centrifugation, the outlet port may be disposed substantially above the second section of the chamber such that extraction through the outlet port extracts only less dense material from the second section of the chamber. Extraction may occur due to an applied pressure difference (eg, vacuum pressure) applied to the outlet port. After centrifugation, a syringe can also be used to extract less dense material.

In some embodiments, method 600 is performed without stopping rotation of the chamber to extract a sample (i.e., skipping block 610). The outlet port may be substantially centered over the axis of rotation.

In addition to some of the methods 600, other steps may be performed. For example, if a centrifuge device is integrated into a test cartridge, some steps may include disconnecting the centrifuge device from the fluid coupling mechanism so that the centrifuge device can rotate freely. The centrifugation device can then, after centrifugation, be reconnected to the fluid coupling mechanism within the test cartridge to extract the sample.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of the invention, so that others, by applying the knowledge of a person skilled in the relevant art, can do so without departing from the general concept of the invention. One may easily modify and/or adapt such specific embodiments for a variety of applications without experimentation. Accordingly, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be included within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments based on the teachings and guidance presented herein. It will be understood that the phrases and phrases herein are for the purpose of description and not of limitation, and that the terms and phrases herein may therefore be interpreted by those skilled in the art in light of the teachings and guidelines.

Embodiments of the invention have been described above with the aid of functional building blocks that illustrate implementations of specific functions and their relationships. The boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein for convenience of explanation. Alternative boundaries may be defined, as long as certain functions and relationships can be implemented appropriately.

The 'Summary' and 'Summary' sections may describe one or more exemplary embodiments, but not all exemplary embodiments, of the invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and may therefore describe the invention and the appended claims. It is not intended to limit the scope in any way.

The breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (23)

It is a centrifugation device and:
A housing having a first port and a ventilation opening, the housing being configured to rotate about an axis passing through the center of the housing, the housing comprising:
A chamber coupled to the first port, wherein the first portion of the chamber has a width tapering between a first width at a first location within the chamber and a second width at a second location, wherein the first width is a second width. wider, chamber; and
a housing coupled to a second position in the chamber and comprising a channel arranged so that there is a path for gas to move from the channel to the ventilation opening; and
A centrifugation device comprising a cover having a second port and configured to provide a wall for sealing the chamber. According to paragraph 1,
A centrifugation device further comprising a second chamber coupled between the channel and the ventilation opening. According to paragraph 1,
The second port has a diameter of 100 to 500 micrometers. According to paragraph 1,
The second port has a diameter between 150 and 350 micrometers. According to paragraph 1,
A centrifuge device, wherein the cover includes a coupling structure configured to couple with the extraction device. According to paragraph 1,
A centrifuge device, wherein the chamber contains a fluid volume of 250 microliters. According to paragraph 1,
A centrifugal separation device, wherein the housing has a cylindrical shape. In clause 7,
A centrifugal separation device, wherein the cylindrical housing has a diameter of less than 20 mm. In clause 7,
A centrifugal separation device, wherein a first portion of the chamber extends along the outer periphery of the housing and a second portion of the chamber extends radially from an axis passing through the center of the housing. According to clause 8,
The second port is disposed above the second portion of the chamber. According to clause 8,
A centrifuge device, wherein the second portion of the chamber has a hydraulic diameter of less than 5 millimeters. According to paragraph 1,
A centrifugal device, wherein the housing includes a hinged portion, the hinged portion configured to rotate open to expose the first port. According to clause 12,
A centrifugal device, wherein the hinged portion includes a raised structure configured to seal the first port when the hinged portion is closed. According to paragraph 1,
A centrifugation device further comprising a sample indicator configured to indicate when the chamber has been filled to its maximum level. According to paragraph 1,
A centrifugal device, wherein the shortest distance between the channel and the axis of rotation is shorter than the distance between the axis of rotation and any point in the chamber. Here's how:
placing the sample through the first port into a centrifugation chamber, wherein the centrifugation chamber is formed within a cylindrical housing;
sealing the first port to prevent sample from leaking back through the inlet;
rotating the centrifugation chamber about an axis passing through the center of the cylindrical housing;
separating the sample in the chamber by rotation, wherein the first portion of the sample is moved into a first portion of the chamber extending along the outer periphery of the cylindrical housing, and the first portion of the chamber extends along the outer periphery of the cylindrical housing. moving the second portion of the sample, the second portion of the sample having a tapering width, into the second portion of the chamber extending radially from an axis passing through the center of the cylindrical housing; and
A method comprising extracting a second portion of the sample through a second port. According to clause 16,
The method of claim 1, wherein the second port is disposed over the second portion of the chamber. According to clause 16,
The method of claim 1, wherein the spinning step includes spinning the centrifugation chamber at 5,000 to 20,000 RPM. According to clause 16,
The method of claim 1, wherein the extracting step includes extracting the second portion of the sample via an applied pressure differential at the port. According to clause 16,
The method further comprising ventilating the gas in the centrifugation chamber through a ventilation port. According to clause 16,
The method wherein the first portion of the sample has a higher density than the second portion of the sample. According to clause 16,
The method further comprising stopping rotation of the chamber prior to the extraction step. The system is:
The centrifugal separation device of claim 1;
an actuator coupled to the housing of the centrifugal device and configured to rotate the housing about an axis of the centrifugal device; and
A system, comprising: an extraction device coupled to a cover of the centrifuge device and configured to extract a sample within a chamber of the centrifuge device through a second port of the centrifuge device.

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